Dr. Mary Verghese (1925 – 1986) was a trailblazing doctor who reshaped rehabilitation medicine in India. After her MBBS in CMC Vellore, she dreamed of becoming a gynaecologist. However, a tragic road accident left the 29-year old paralysed with a spinal cord injury. Her back was broken, her spirit was not. Dr, Mary retrained under Dr. Paul Brand to perform hand-reconstructive surgery while seated—earning the inspiring title world’s first ‘wheelchair surgeon’.
After formal training in New York, Dr. Mary started India’s first Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation department at CMC. Innovative yet practical, she developed affordable mobility aids and initiated vocational training and sports for the disabled. Her compassionate leadership earned her the Padma Shri in 1972.
| CMC’s Rehab Institute is now a well-recognised centre for the rehabilitation of persons with spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke, amputations and cerebral palsy. As we commemorate Dr. Mary Verghese’ 100th birth anniversary this year, her exemplary equanimity, courage, kindness and grace continue to inspire generations of young people. |
